From the end of the third millennium B.C., the scarab beetle served as an amulet in Egypt, where
it represented the sun god. In the Greek world, beginning in the sixth century B.C., it became
the predominant type of gem, cut in carnelian and other hard stones. By the fourth century B.C.,
the scarab was integrated into gold rings. Here, kneeling Eros on the underside of the bezel may
signify that the ring was a love gift and his discrete location suggests the love message was
meant primarily for the wearer.

Provenance

By 1968, collection of Heinz Hoek, Riehen, Switzerland; inherited by one of his grandchildren, William Hoek, Brussels; purchased from W. Hoek by Robert Haber; [until 2010, with Robert Haber and Associates, New York]; acquired in 2010, purchased from Robert Haber and Associates.